Albert Edelfelt
We continue our special month with the Finnish National Gallery with this beautiful landscape. Enjoy! :)
This is one of the foremost landscape paintings in Albert Edelfelt's oeuvre. He had been influenced by the traditional way of depicting lake landscapes with islands viewed from a high vantage point, but what was new in this particular painting was the relatively high horizon, Japanistic canvas dimensioning, and intensified expressiveness of objects in the foreground. The twisted tree stump with exposed roots and a young sapling create a Symbolist element, while they are also evidence of the influence of Japanese woodblock prints on the artist. The winding trail of sunlight, wind, and water across the lake's surface could also be interpreted as a result of Edelfelt's admiration for Japanese ornamentation. He worked mainly on capturing that lingering yet brief golden moment before the sun disappeared below the horizon. The silhouettes of islands and peninsulas reflected in calm waters are painted with a rare sensuality.
Have a great Sunday, everyone!
P.S. If you want to have more beautiful art in your life, especially in the upcoming 2024, please check our amazing calendars!
P.P.S. Lakes and art—that is one relaxing combination. Take a look at some of the finest lake paintings in art history! They are so soothing!